No More Tattling

Most students tattle, at least some of the time. A few students tattle a lot. For some students, tattling is a way to get an adult's attention. For some students, tattling is the only way they know how to resolve conflicts with other children. Tattling is almost always associated with a particular voice tone and usually starts with descriptive words about some other child’s behavior. It is important to respond to this behavior quickly so that it does not become habitual, isolate the student from other students, and drive the adult crazy. The key to stopping tattling is to respond to it in the same way, every time a child tattles.

Teach your class the difference between tattling and seeking out adult help to solve problems or giving an adult needed information about safety and health.

Teach and practice with your students the following protocol:

When a child approaches you and starts to tattle, put your hand out in a "stop" signal.

Say:

"I want you to stop, think and listen to all of my questions. Is this something I really need to know? Do you need some help in resolving a problem with someone? Is someone hurt or is something seriously broken? If the answer to these questions is no, then, please return to what you were doing. If the answer is yes, then I am glad to listen. If you decide to tell me this information and it turns out that you are tattling, we will need to revisit what tattling is and is not during some of your free time."